Negotiations For Nicaragua?

March 17, 1986|By Michael Broad.

CHICAGO — In your editorial of March 8 you support aid to the contras because ``it is in this country`s strategic interest to make sure Nicaragua does not become another forward base for the Soviet Union on our flank.`` I oppose any aid to the contras for exactly the same reason.

If Congress were to vote aid to the contras, just what do you think the Sandinistas will do? I`m willing to bet next month`s rent that Daniel Ortega will be calling either Moscow or Havana collect from the nearest phone booth. And I`m willing to bet that Moscow or Havana accepts the charges. And then what--U.S. ``advisers,`` Cuban troops, and body bags for all?

Wise up, Tribune: The only way to keep the Soviets out of Central America is for the U.S. to negotiate directly with the Sandinistas. You may faintly remember the word ``negotiate``--it`s an old technique of diplomacy in frequent use before Jan. 20, 1981. So just why is your Great Entertainer in the White House afraid to talk to Daniel Ortega face to face?